Switch control mechanism



July T M. B

SWI TCH CONTROL MECHANI SM r i ginal Filed Aug. 24, 1940 32,2! 2.5 iii;

INVENTOR I) AZTORNEi/sf Patented July 31, 1945 SWITCH CONTROL MECHANISM Thomas M. Ball, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Original application August 24, 1940, Serial No. 354,055. Divided and this application August 7, 1941, Serial No. 405,765

16 Claims.

This invention relates to switch control mechanisms and refers more particularly to switch mechanism adapted for control by engine intake pressure variation, this application being a division of my copending application, Serial No. 354,055 filed August 24, 1940.

One object of my invention is to provide an electrical switch controlled in an improved and simplified manner in response to predetermined speed of an engine or equivalent motor vehicle speed in a predetermined drive ratio.

Another object is to provide an improved and simplified governor effect for switch mechanism by utilizing engine intake pressure variation.

A further object is to provide a novel governor effect, as aforesaid, which will function at predetermined amount or position of engine throttle opening under control of engine intake pressure so arranged as to function independently of the load on the engine.

Another object is to provide an improved switch control in which the electric circuit is controlled by a single switch which adapted to be overruled by the engine intake pressure. The single switch mechanism is adapted for operation by the engine throttle actuating mechanism, or other control, and is under control of the intake pressure so that the latter will render the single switch mechanism either effective or ineffective to control the circuit means by operation of the engine throttle actuating mechanism or other control which may be employed.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be more apparent as this specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational somewhat diagrammatic view of a motor vehicle power plant illustrating my invention applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged somewhat diagrammatic view of my switch control mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but illustrating a modified arrangement of operating linkage.

Fig. 4 is a view generally similar to Fig. 2 but I have illustrated my switch control mechanism for functioning in conjunction with the throttle contro1 mechanism of the engine. By preferenoe the arrangement is such that the accelerator pedal in moving to a predetermined position in its throttle-opening direction exercises a controlling eifect on the switch mechanism, as when the accelerator pedal is brought to its fully depressed condition corresponding to approximately fully open position of the throttle valve. The gain in power delivered by the engine during the last part of the throttle opening movement is so slight that ordinarily this range may be utilized for the switch control without sacrificing car performance where it is desired to effect the switch control under conditions of maximum throttle open-- ing. However, as it may be desired to provide a distinct switch control range for the accelerator pedal, in addition to its normal throttle-moving range, I have made provision so that my invention is equally well adapted to either arrangement and may even, if desired, be arranged for switch control at any accelerator pedal or throttle position less than that aforesaid.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 the accelerator pedal i0 is yieldingly urged in its throttle closing position of release by aspring I l. The pedal is operably connected by linkage l2 with the lever l3 fixed to shaft H which carries the throttle valve i5 positioned in manifold downdraft riser it between the carburetor l1 and manifold distributing branches l8 leading to the various cylinders of the engine. At the top air inlet end of the riser is the usual air cleaner It. That part of the intake system which extends above valve It may be referred to as the atmospheric side of the throttle valve while the parts below the valve extending to the engine may be referred to as the engine side of the throttle valve. When the pedal I0 is fully depressed to position l0 then the throttle is fully open as at iii. In Fig. 2 the arrangement is such that the last few degrees of throttle opening is utilized to operate the switch means, this movement corresponding to depression of the accelerator pedal from position iii to position Iii Associated with my switch mechanism is any suitable electrical circuit system desired to be controlled by the switch mechanism under the aforesaid predetermined conditions of throttle opening and car or engine speed. I have illustrated a portion of this electrical circuit at D comprising ground 2| thence through switch 22, which is adapted to be closed by the bridge piece 23 when the accelerator pedal is in position it slid the throttle valve in position l8, and thence by conductor 24 to any desired electrical control to complete the circuit. Switch 23 is under control of the intake system of the engine according to predetermined desired conditions of engine or car speed.

The vacuum control comprises a piston 28 slidable upwardly from its Fig. 2 position in cylinder 28 against the action of spring 21 as vacuum increases in the intake system at the atmospheric side of the throttle valve. Pivoted to the piston 28 is an electrically insulating switch actuating element 28 adapted to swing to the left as viewed in Fig. 2, thereby sliding the conductor 28 into contact with the terminals of switch 22 so as to close circuit D between ground 2! and conductor 28.

At the right side of element 28 there is a plunger actuator 28 normally moved out of contact with element 28 but adapted for engagement by the end 88 of a lever 8| which is fixed to the valve shaft H. The arrangement is such that as the throttle valve l8 nears its wide open position, the pedal at position l8 has acted through linkage l2 and lever l8 to bring lever end 88 into the Fig. 2 position wherein plunger 28 bears on element 28, assuming the piston 28 to be lowered as illustrated. Then as pedal I8 is fully depressed to position I8 of wide open throttle at l8, the lever end 88 slides plunger 28 to the left causing element 28 to swing and thereby cause conductor 28 to close switch 22. Upon release of the accelerator pedal, a spring 82 restores conductor 2| to its switch opening Fig. 2 position and a spring 88 restores plunger 28 into a position accommodating free movement of piston 28.

In order to magnify the eflect of the vacuum in riser i8 and minimize the size of piston 28, while at the same time utilizing structure already used conventionally, and for other practical considerations, I utilize the conventional carburetor vcnturi 88 in down draft riser l8, the cylinder 28 being open by a passage 88 to the throat of the venturi.

Cylinder 28 thus communicates with the engine intake system at a point between the throttle valve l8 and the atmosphere rather than between the throttle valve l8 and the engine A so that, for a given throttle opening, the same weight of air will always flow through the carburetor venturi at a given speed of the engine or car in any given drive ratio, regardless of load and other factors. Cylinder 28 is thus open to the suction in the intake riser at a point anterior to the throttle valve l8 rather than at a point posterior to the throttle valve. For simplicity of disclosure I have not illustrated the gasoline supply Jet at the carburetor Venturi throat as the same is well known. Buch arrangement provides a governor control on the system D at switch 22 of great accuracy and simplicity of operation.

In the illustrated arrangement, the driver endeavors to control circuit D by closing switch 22 always by manipulating the throttle valve I8 to the same position, approximately wide open throttle in this instance, because at such time the switch 22 will be closed if piston 28 is in its lowered Fig. 2 position. Thus whether or not the circuit D will be closed between lead 28 and ground 2| when the accelerator pedal I8 is fully depressed will depend entirely on the engine or car speed at such time. If the speed is above the desired predetermined value, determined largely by the weight of piston 28 and element 28 along with the force of swing 21 and diameter of oilinder 28, then the vacuum at the venturi acting in cylinder 26 will be sunicient to raise piston 28 against spring 21 therebylifting element 28 out of the path of movement of plunger 29 so that even if pedal I8 is fully depressed to position W the plunger will not operate conductor 28 and switch 22 will not be closed.

If, while the piston 28 is raised, the pedal i8 is fully depressed and then piston 28 tends to be lowered by loss of vacuum due to the falling off of engine speed, then element 28 rely rests on top of the left-hand end of plunger 28 until pedal I8 is released whereupon spring 88 withdraws plunger 28 and allows element 28 to take its Fig. 2 position.

It will be noted that a single switch 22 is sub- Jectecl to the control of actuating lever 8| and also of the vacuum device. By reason oi my arrangement the switch 22 is free from the thrust load of piston 28 both from the vacuum and the spring 21 as the conductor 28 is not loaded by the piston.

In the Fig. 3 modification, the switch 22 is not closed when the throttle valve on opening reaches wide open position but in response to movement of the accelerator pedal 18 beyond its wide open throttle position l8 through a secondary range of movement to position III" at which time the lever end portion 88 of a lever 88 has been moved to the left of its Fig. 3 position sufllciently to cause plunger 28 and element 28 to close switch 22. The pedal i8 is now connected through linkage i2 to bell-crank lever arm 88 loose on the valve shaft [8, lever 88 being the other arm 0! the bell-crank. Fixed to shaft I 8 is a lever 81 having a projection 88 urged into continuous contact with lever 88 by a spring 88 acting between levers 88 and 81. A stop 48 engages lever 81 at fully open throttle. When pedal 18 is depressed to position l8 the throttle valve l8 will be fully open, as at l8in Fig. 2, the spring 88 causing lever 81 to follow the movement of lever 88 and pedal l8. At this time the lever end 88, of the type in either Fig. 2 or Fig. 3, is in its Fig. 3 position ready to operate plunger 28 to the left. As pedal I8 is further depressed to the overtravel position 18'', stop 88 holds lever 81 at wide open throttle position while spring 88 yields to allow lever 88 to close switch 22 unless, Just as in Fig.

2, piston 28 is raised to position element 28 out or the path of movement of plunger 28. The Fig. 3 switch control system operates exactly as described for Fig. 2 except, of course, for the overtravel function of the accelerator pedal as noted above.

My invention is also adapted to control electrical systems wherein the electrical circuit is normally established and adapted to be opened by the throttle opening means under control of the vacuum intake system. In order to illustrate this general arrangement, I have shown in Fig. 4 an arrangement which corresponds generally to the foregoing embodiments but which operates with normally closed switch means instead of normally open switch means. Thus in Fig. 4, switch 22 is now normally closed and is opened by lever end 88 in the Fig. 4 position of parts. In the event tha thet vacuum piston 28 is raised. then lever end 88 cannot open switch 22 because switch actuating element a will be withdrawn the driver seeks to change the normal condition of switch 22, by closing the same in Figs. 2 and-3 and by opening the same in Fig. 4, the throttle valve H5 in each instance is at a predetermined position so that the vacuum devicewill, in effect, then operate as a fixed function of engine speed and hence car speed in any predetermined drive ratio. If desired, the normal condition of the switch 22 may be changed at less than approximate wide open throttle. Furthermore, by substituting different piston springs for the vacuum operated pistons the illustrated devices may be caused to respond to any desired engine or car speed.

In my specification and claims I use-the term venturi in a broad sense. -=This device, as well known, increases the velocity and reduces the pressure of the fluid at the Venturi throat. The venturi may be of any suitable design to obtain the desired pressure magnifying efiect. Qrdinarily a commercial carburetor venturi is formed with frusto-conicalportions at each-side of the throat as illustrated. The various conductor parts throughout the several views will, of course, be suitably electrically insulated against undesired grounding or interfering with the desired electrical control systems. i

In Figs. 2, 3 and 4 the pressure variation at the venturi operates to overrulethe effect of the throttle adjusting means in controlling opening and closing of 'the electrical circuit means at the switch 22. In other words the Venturi control renders the switch 22 either effective or ineffective to control opening and closing of the circuit means.

I claim:

1. In a switch control mechanism, electric circuit means comprising a switch having a conductor movable between switch-opening and switch-closing positions, a' switch operating member adapted for moving in a predetermined path, an element movable from a first position in said path to a second position, said element when in said first position forming an operating connection between said conductor and said member so as to move said conductor from one of its said positions to the other in response to movement of said member, said member being ins capable of moving said conductor as last afore said when said element is disposed in its said second-position, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system at a point anterior to said throttle valve for effecting movement of said element to its said second position, and means acting to bias said element to its said first position thereby delaying said movement of said element to its said second position until the engine operates at a predetermined speed above its idle speed.

2. In a switch control mechanism, a switch comprising a pair of conductor switch members one of which is adapted for movement relativeto the other into positions of engaging and disengaging relationship with respect to said other switch member to respectively provide Closing and opening of the switch, means yieldingly acting to bias said movable switch member to one of its said positions, switch operating means movable in a predetermined path toward said movable switch member to move said movable switch member tothe other of its said positions, a piston adapted for movement from a first position to a second position thereof, means carried by said piston and adapted for movement thereby from a position in said path to a position out of said path in response to movement of said piston from its said first position to its said second position thereby to control movement of said movable switch member to said other of its positions by said switch operating means, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow iromthe atmosphere to the engine, and means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve for moving said piston from its said first position to its said second position, said biasing means operating to hold said piston in its said first position during operation of said engine at its idling speed but to accommodate said movement of said piston to its said second position at relatively higher ongine speed.

3. In a control for electric circuit means comprising switch means adapted to be operated to closed and opened positions, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling airflow from the atmosphere to the engine, means for adjusting said throttle valve, means for operating said switch means by said throttle valve adjusting means thereby to efiect one of the aforesaid positions of said switch means, and means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve and operating in response to the engine, during its normal operation, attaining a predetermined speed accompanied by predetermined setting of said throttle valve by said throttle valve adjusting means for preventing saidoperation of said switch means by said switch operating means.

,4. In a control for electric circuit means comprising a switch having conductor parts one being movable relative to the other into and out of electrical conducting relationship with said other part, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, means for adjusting said throttle valve, means for moving said movable conductor part by said throttle valve adjusting means, and means utilizing pres-- .sure variation in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve and operating in response to the engine, during its normal operation, attaining a predetermined speed accompanied by predetermined setting of said throttle valve by said throttle valve adjusting means for preventing said movement of said movable conductor by said mOViIlg means.

5. In a control for electric circuit means, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the.

atmosphere to the engine, means for adjusting said throttle valve, switch means adapted to be operated to open and close said circuit means, means for effecting said operation of said switch means in response to operation of said throttle valve adjusting means, and means utilizing pres sure variation in said. intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve and operating automatically during normal operation of the engine and in response to predetermined engine speed and throttle valve adjustment for selectively rendering said switch operating means either effective or ineilective to open and close said circuit means.

switch-closing positions, a switch operating member adapted for movement in a predetermined path, an element movable from a first position in said path to a second position, said element when in said first position forming an operating connection between said conductor and said member so as to move said conductor from one 01' its said positions to the other in response to movement of said member, said member being incapable of moving said conductor as last aforesaid when said element is disposed in its said second position, an engine having an intake system provided with a carburetor venturi and a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, said venturi being dis posed at a point in said intake system anterior to said throttle valve, and means utilizing pressure variation at said venturi for moving said element to its said second position, and means acting to bias said element toward its said second position thereby delaying said movement of said element to its said second position until the engine operates at a predetermined speed above its idle speed accompanied by substantially wide open setting of said throttle valve.

7. In a control for electric circuit means comprising switch means having conductor parts one being movable relative to the other into and out or electrical conducting relationship with said other part, an engine having a carburetor venturi disposed in said system anterior to said throttle valve, means for effecting said movement of said movable conductor part, and means utilizin pressure variation at said venturi for so controlling said movement of said movable conductor part that said movement of said movable conductor part is accommodated when the engine is idling but prevented at predetermined engine speed higher than engine idling speed.

8. In a control for electric circuit means, an engine having a carburetor venturi, switch means adapted to be operated to open and close said circuit means, means for effecting said operation of said switch means, and means utilizing pressure variation at said venturi and automatically operating during normal operation of the engine for selectively rendering said switch operating means either effective or inefiective to open and close said circuit means.

9. In a switch control mechanism, a switch comprising a first conductor and a second conductor movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with respect to said first conductor, means acting to bias said second conductor toward one of its said positions, an actuator adapted to transmit thrust to said movable conductor for moving the same to the other of its said posittions, an element movable back and forth between a first position establishing thrusttransmitting relationship between said actuator and said movable conductor and a second position out of said thrust-transmitting relationship, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, and means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve for controlling said movement of said element automatically in response to variation in the operating speed of said engine under the same throttle setting.

10. In a switch control mechanism, a switch comprising a first conductor and a second conductor movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with respect to said first conductor, means acting to bias said second conductor toward one of its said positions, an actuator adapted to transmit thrust to said movable conductor for moving the same to the other of its said positions, and element movable back and forth between a first position establishing thrusttransmitting relationship between said actuator and said movable conductor and a second position out of such thrust-transmitting relationship, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, common means for controlling movement of said throttle valve and said actuator, and means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve for controlling said movement of said element automatically in response to variation in the operating speed of said engine under the same throttle setting.

11. In a switch control mechanism, a switch comprising a first conductor and a second conductor movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with respect to said first conductor, means acting to bias said second conductor toward one of its said positions, an actuator adapted to transmit thrust to said movable conductor for movin the same to the other of its said positions, an element movable between a first position establishing thrust-transmitting relationship between said actuator and said movable conductor and a second position out of such thrust-transmitting relationship, an engine having a carburetor venturi, and means utilizing pressure variation at said venturi for controlling said movement of said element so constructed and arranged as to maintain said element in its said first position during normal idling speed of the engine and to effect movement of said element to its said second position when the engine speed is above said idling speed.

12. In a switch control mechanism, a switch comprising a first conductor and a second conductor movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with respect to said first conductor, means acting to bias said second conductor toward one of its said positions, an actuator adapted for movement in a predetermined path to transmit thrust to said movable conductor for moving the same to the other of its said positions, an element movable into and out of said path for controlling thrust transmission from said actuator to said movable conductor, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, throttle valve adjusting means adapted for movement in a direction for effecting opening adjustment of said throttle valve, means providing an operating connection between said throttle valve adjusting means and said actuator so constructed and arranged as to effect said thrust-transmitting movement of said actuator as said throttle valve adjusting means approaches the limit of its movement in said throttle opening direction, means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve for controlling said movement of said element, and means acting to maintain said element in said path during normal idling operation of said engine.

13. In a switch control mechanism, electric circuit means comprising a switch having a conductor movable between switch-opening and switch-closing positions, a switch-operating member adapted for movement in a predetermined path from one position thereof to another position, means yieldingly acting to bias said switchoperating member to its said one position, an element movable from a first position in said path to a second position, said element when in said first position forming an operating connection between said conductor and said switchoperating member so as to move said conductor from one of its said positions to the other in response to movement of said switch-operating member from its said one position to its said another position, said conductor being so disposed in relation with said path such that, when said element is disposed in its said second position, movement of said switch-operating member from its said one position to its said another position is incapable of moving said conductor as last aforesaid, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve adjustable for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, means utilizing suction in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve for effecting movement of said element to its said second position, throttle adjusting means operably connected to said throttle valve and adapted for operation in one direction for adjusting said throttle valve in throttle opening direction, and means providing an operating connection between said throttle valve adjusting means and said switch-operating means for moving the latter to its said another position in response to operation of said throttle adjusting means in its said throttle opening direction.

14. In a switch control mechanism, electric circuit means comprising a switch having a conductor movable between switch-opening and switch-closing positions, a reciprocatory switchoperating plunger adapted for movement in a predetermined path from one position thereof to another position, means yieldingly acting to bias said plunger to its said one position, an element movable from a first position in said path to a second position, said element when in said first position forming an operating connection between said conductor and plunger so as to move said conductor from one of its said positions to the other in response to movement of said plunger from its said one position to its said another position, said conductor being so disposed in relation with said path such that, when said element is disposed in its said second position, movement of said plunger from its said one position to its said another position is incapable of moving said conductor as last aforesaid, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve adjustable for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, means utilizing suction in said intake system at the atmospheric side of said throttle valve for effecting movement of said element to its said second position, throttle adjusting means operably connected to said throttle valve and adapted for operation in one direction for adjusting said throttle valve in throttle opening direction, and means providing an operating connection between said throttle valve adjusting means and said plunger for moving the latter to its said another position in response to operation of said throttle adjusting means inits said throttle opening direction.

15. In a switch control mechanism, electric circuit means comprising a switch having a conductor movable between switch-opening and switch-closing positions, a switch-operating member adapted for movement in a predetermined path from one position thereof to another position, means yieldingly acting to bias said switchoperating member to its said one position, an element movable from a first position in said path to a second position, said element when in said first position forming an operating connection between said conductor and said switchoperating member so as to move said conductor from one of its said positions to the other in response to movement of said switch-operating member from its said one position to its said another position, said conductor being so disposed in relation with said path such that, when said element is disposed in its said second position, movement of said switch-operating member from its said one position to its said another position is incapable of moving said conductor as last aforesaid, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve adjustable for controlling air fiow from the atmosphere to the engine, means utilizing suction in said intake system for effecting movement of said element to its said second position, throttle adjusting means operably connected to said throttle valve and adapted for operation in one direction for adjusting said throttle valve in throttle opening direction, and means providing an operating connection between said throttle valve adjusting means and said switch-operating member for moving the latter to its said another position in response to operation of said throttle adjusting means in its said throttle opening direction, said operating connection means being so constructed and arranged, in relation to said throttle valve adjusting means and said switch-operating member, such that said movement of said switch-operato ing means to its said another position is delayed until said throttle adjusting means has been operated to approximately the limit of its operation in said throttle opening direction.-

16. In a switch control mechanism, a switch comprising a first conductor and a second conductor movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with respect to said first conductor, means acting to bias said second conductor. toward one of its said positions, an actuator adapted for movement in a predetermined path to transmit thrust to said movable conductor for moving the same to the other of its said positions, an element movable into and out of said path for controlling thrust transmission from said actuator to said movable conductor, an engine having an intake system provided with a throttle valve for controlling air flow from the atmosphere to the engine, throttle valve adjusting means adapted for movement in a direction for effecting opening adjustment of said throttle valve, means providing an operating connection between said throttle valve adjusting means and said actuator so constructed and arranged as to effect said thrust-transmitting movement of said actuator as said throttle valve adjusting means approaches the limit of its movement in said throttle opening direction, and means utilizing pressure variation in said intake system for controlling said movement of said element.

THOMAS M. BALL.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,58O L 92Q I July 1, 19159 THOMAS M, BALL,

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2, second column, I line 68, for "tha thet" read --that the-; page L first col umn, line 58, claim 9, for "pos-ittions" read "positions"; line 62, same claim, for "said" read -such--; and second column', line 5, claim 10, for

. "and" firstbccurrence, read -an--; and that the s'aidletters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 22nd day. of January, A; D. 19%.

Leslie Frazer (Seal) First Assistant Commissioner of Patents.

Patent No. ac 92.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

' y 5 94-5 THOMAS M. BALL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correotion as follows: Page 2, second column; I line 68, for "tha that" rea --that the--; page L first column, line 58, claim 9, for "posittions" read "positions"; line 62, same claim, for "said" read -suoh-'-; and second bolumn, iihe" 5, claim 10, for "and" firstoccurrence', read -an-; and that the s'aid Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same" may conform to the record of the case" in the Patent Office. v

Signed and sealed. this 22nd day. of January, A; -D. 19%.

v Leslie Frazer (Seal) First Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

